Most Career Receiving Yards by a Minnesota Vikings Player
The Minnesota Vikings have assembled one of the most iconic receiving legacies in pro football history. From Cris Carter’s peerless route running to Randy Moss’s jaw-dropping speed and Justin Jefferson’s modern dominance, Vikings fans have witnessed era-defining greatness.
This ranking looks at the top 10 Vikings in franchise history by total receiving yards. Some brought consistency, others pure explosion — all left their mark in purple and gold.
Top 10 All-Time Receiving Yard Leaders
10. Stefon Diggs – 4,623 Yards
Diggs delivered unforgettable moments in Minnesota, most famously the “Minneapolis Miracle.” His route-running and swagger made him a fan favorite.
9. Ahmad Rashad – 5,489 Yards
Rashad was a steady presence in the late ’70s and early ’80s, making Pro Bowls and forming a reliable connection with quarterback Tommy Kramer.
8. Steve Jordan – 6,307 Yards
One of the NFL’s most productive tight ends of his era, Jordan brought consistency and athleticism, topping 500 yards seven times.
7. Sammy White – 6,400 Yards
White earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1976 and quickly became a dependable big-play target throughout his career.
6. Jake Reed – 6,433 Yards
Reed paired with Cris Carter and Randy Moss to form a terrifying trio, posting four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in the ’90s.
5. Adam Thielen – 6,682 Yards
Thielen’s story is the stuff of legend—an undrafted local kid who became a two-time Pro Bowler and red-zone machine.
4. Justin Jefferson – 7,432 Yards
Jefferson has shattered records since arriving, blending elite route-running, toughness, and production at a historic pace.
3. Anthony Carter – 7,636 Yards
Carter’s speed and toughness made him a mainstay in Minnesota’s offense, especially during the late ’80s playoff runs.
2. Randy Moss – 9,316 Yards
Moss revolutionized the deep ball with his size and speed. His rookie season remains one of the most dominant debuts in NFL history.
1. Cris Carter – 12,383 Yards
If you needed a toe-tap catch on the sideline, Carter was your guy. A Hall of Famer with eight straight 1,000-yard seasons, he set the gold standard in Minnesota.

Ranking the 10 best career receiving yard performances in Minnesota Vikings history
Top 50 Career Receiving Yards Performances in Vikings History
From the steady excellence of Cris Carter to the electric fireworks of Randy Moss and the modern brilliance of Justin Jefferson, these Vikings greats have set a towering standard for the franchise. As Jefferson continues his climb, it’s only a matter of time before he challenges every record on this list.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cris Carter | 12,383 |
| 2 | Randy Moss | 9,316 |
| 3 | Anthony Carter | 7,636 |
| 4 | Justin Jefferson | 7,432 |
| 5 | Adam Thielen | 6,682 |
| 6 | Jake Reed | 6,433 |
| 7 | Sammy White | 6,400 |
| 8 | Steve Jordan | 6,307 |
| 9 | Ahmad Rashad | 5,489 |
| 10 | Stefon Diggs | 4,623 |
| 11 | Kyle Rudolph | 4,488 |
| 12 | Hassan Jones | 3,733 |
| 13 | Percy Harvin | 3,302 |
| 14 | John Gilliam | 3,297 |
| 15 | Paul Flatley | 3,222 |
| 16 | Bill Brown | 3,177 |
| 17 | Gene Washington | 3,087 |
| 18 | Chuck Foreman | 3,057 |
| 19 | Leo Lewis | 2,924 |
| 20 | Ted Brown | 2,850 |
| 21 | Visanthe Shiancoe | 2,424 |
| 22 | Rickey Young | 2,255 |
| 23 | Darrin Nelson | 2,202 |
| 24 | Jerry Reichow | 2,183 |
| 25 | Sidney Rice | 2,129 |
| 26 | Jarius Wright | 2,039 |
| 27 | Adrian Peterson | 1,945 |
| 28 | T.J. Hockenson | 1,934 |
| 29 | Bernard Berrian | 1,925 |
| 30 | Stu Voigt | 1,919 |
| 31 | Qadry Ismail | 1,856 |
| 32 | K.J. Osborn | 1,845 |
| 33 | Joe Senser | 1,822 |
| 34 | Dalvin Cook | 1,794 |
| 35 | Nate Burleson | 1,789 |
| 36 | Jordan Addison | 1,786 |
| 37 | Tommy Mason | 1,689 |
| 38 | Jim Kleinsasser | 1,688 |
| 39 | Jermaine Wiggins | 1,659 |
| 40 | Marcus Robinson | 1,553 |
| 41 | Greg Jennings | 1,546 |
| 42 | Bob Grim | 1,414 |
| 43 | Dave Osborn | 1,412 |
| 44 | Chester Taylor | 1,357 |
| 45 | Amp Lee | 1,348 |
| 46 | John Henderson | 1,330 |
| 47 | Mike Jones | 1,327 |
| 48 | Cordarrelle Patterson | 1,316 |
| 49 | Moe Williams | 1,301 |
| 50 | Robert Smith | 1,292 |
From the steady excellence of Cris Carter to the electric fireworks of Randy Moss and the modern brilliance of Justin Jefferson, these Vikings greats have set a towering standard for the franchise. As Jefferson continues his climb, it’s only a matter of time before he challenges every record on this list.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Vikings record for most career receiving yards?
Cris Carter tops the chart with 12,383 yards in Minnesota.
Which current player is rising fastest on this list?
Justin Jefferson is already fourth all-time after just a few seasons of jaw-dropping production.
Are any Hall of Famers among these receivers?
Yes—Cris Carter and Randy Moss have both been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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